Board Meeting Highlights

One Hemlocks Board officers' position and two board member positions were voted and approved: Phil Sobocinski, Vice President; Bob Horswill and Bob Berdan, Board Members.

Tom Olson introduced Carly Lapin (WDNR) who presented her report and map on the hemp nettle eradication efforts. Friends had agreed to pay $1600 for herbicide spraying by a contractor which was very successful. Additional spraying, hand pulling, and cutting efforts were carried out by WDNR staff. Carly recommended that the Friends plan on the same level of financial commitment for next year since the plant can persist in the seed bank and it may take multiple years to significantly reduce the population.

Membership numbers and dollars are down from last year but our fiscal year does not end until September 30 so there is still time for additional donations. Expenses included the hemp nettle spraying, three student and two adult hikes, and some costs associated with mailings and the annual meeting.

Field trips for Land O’Lakes SOAR charter school and MHLT Creative Minds charter school took place last October. The North Lakeland 6th graders visited in May. The Phelps middle school will be coming this October.

Adult hikes included the bog hike led by Susan Knight last August and NLDC led hikes in October and February. Future adult programs include a fall hike on October 13, a geology hike on November 3, and a snowshoe hike on February 9, 2019.

Tom reported that a more formalized written volunteer agreement will be needed as our group transitions to working with different WDNR staff.

May 22, 2018 - Regular Board of Directors Meeting

Hemlocks financial operations between 2017 and 2018 produced a near break-even

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) management realignment has resulted in the following six positions and involved staff personnel:

Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation Field Ecologist and State Natural Are Operative, Carli Lapin

A written “volunteer agreement” must be executed between DNR and Hemlocks for individuals doing field work on Hemlocks trails

A written “land use agreement” must also be executed between Hemlocks and DNR at a later date following execution of the “volunteer agreement”

The invasive species “hemp nettle” is undergoing eradication at this time

The Board voted to allocate $2000 for programs scheduled in Hemlocks for public users

An initial biotic inventory has been completed for Hemlocks by our summer intern

Phil Sobocinski has agreed to continue on the Hemlocks Board; Larry Gorrilla has decided not to continue at the expiration of his current term. The Board thanks Larry for his many years of service to the Board

Citizen Science will become a focus for both Hemlocks and Discovery in the near future

Annual Hemlocks revenues and non-recurring costs generally balance to a break-even at year's end

An inventory of invasives in Hemlocks totals at least one dozen species. Hemp nettle is the major invasive at this time

Meeting participants voted to send an official Hemlocks letter of appreciation to Steve Peterson, who is retiring from his position as Superintendent of the Northern Highlands-American Legion State Forest

Meeting participants also voted to install a boot brush at the western trail head, accompanied by a sign

Summer interns supported by National Heritage Organization will study turtles and nettles, incorporating biotic inventories. Heidi Putnam will do work in Hemlocks.

Steve stated that he will leave the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in mid-August, and will work in real estate. Heather Berklund will be the new Hemlocks DNR contact. Steve's successor, not yet named, will begin likely in January, 2018, but no longer with the title of Superintendent, assuming instead the title of property manager.

The DNR will pay to apply chip-seal on East Van Vliet Road in 2018.

Invasive Species-Bob Horswill

Hemp nettle has infested the northeast corner of East Hemlocks.

Japanese Knotweed and garlic mustard are present in Presque Isle.

The Board voted to purchase a boot brush for the west trail trailhead.

President's Report-Tom Olson

Following an update of the Carlin Lake shoreland water removal legal action, the

Board voted to donate $500.00 to the Carlin Lake Association for legal costs.

Nate Breitholtz is the new contact for North Lakeland Elementary School sessions

Other sessions may include a summer bog walk hosted by Susan Knight

Terms for members Tom Olson, Al Drum, and Ed Brodsky are nearing expiration. All three members agree to continue.

In future activities, invasive species will be addressed, trail maintenance and signage improvement efforts will take place, the Board will meet and greet Heidi Putnam, and a new era will begin as the NHAL leadership undergoes change. Thanks to Steve Petersen for a great relationship.

Tom will write a member letter.

The Annual Meeting will be held at Olson's Point on Sunday, August 27, 2017, 2:30 P.M.

2016

August 28, 2016 - Annual Meeting

Three Board Members were reelected to new terms: Ed Sobocinski; Bob Horswill; Larry Gorrilla.

In the Treasurer's Report, Glenn Doering reported that Hemlocks membership has grown to over 50 contributors.

In the President's Report, Tom Olson offered the following points:

Hemlocks public program hosted by Naturalist Licia Johnson on September 14, 2016

Hemlocks brochure, revised edition, will be out soon.

Hemlocks public program hosted by Elmo Rawlings on October 8, 2016

Surveys of bat populations on Van Vliet Lake indicate a decline in numbers

In the report by Steve Petersen, Superintendent of Northern Highlands-American Legion State Forest (NHAL), Superintendent Petersen offered the following information:

Joe Fieweger is the new Supervisor of Recreation for NHAL.

Attendance at nearby Big Lake Campground has doubled in 2016 compared with 2015, as a result of improvements in campground reservation procedures.

Steve suggested that people interested in DNR land sales can check the DNR website for information on land sale auctions.

Steve responded to a question regarding ATV introduction onto NHAL trails by stating that ATV enthusiast groups continue to request trails in the state forest. Also, DNR currently is analyzing potential expanded usage of over 1000 miles of existing NHAL mapped roads.

June 27, 2016 - Regular Board of Directors Meeting

There is a geology program, beginning with a discussion at 8:30 A.M. on Saturday, October 8, 2016, at the Presque Isle library, followed by a field trip to Hemlocks. Professor Elmo Rawling is the presenter.

An additional trip is being planned for Hemlock tree core removal and further study, to be led by a UW Plattville professor. No date or time has yet been established.

Natural Resources Foundation field trip is scheduled for August 6, 2016, from 9:00 A.M. until noon.

The Hemlocks Annual Meeting is scheduled for August 28, 2016, at 3:00 P.M. at Olson's point. Bring a dish to pass.

The Discovery website is being revamped, and will be active soon.

A hemp nettle pull is scheduled for 10:00 A.M., July 14, 2016, east side trailhead.

Board members are considering creating a watercraft landing station on the east trail.

DNR may introduce changes to the management scope of some DNR departments.

DNR is studying changes to the Master Plan that might designate certain forest roads as motorized. Public input will be required.

2015

October 5, 2015 - Special Planning Meeting

In reviewing the purpose of Van Vliet Hemlocks, members noted that our relationship with Discovery Center is vital, that the terms “old growth” and “unique ecology” belong in our stated Purpose article, and that Hemlocks should seek large dollar donors in order to try to add to the acreage totals of the Hemlocks initiative

Trail signage markings were improved last fall, and will continue to be updated, to include possibly the QR phone technology. We will not place signage on roads advertising Hemlocks.

Future expansion of Hemlocks trails will always be a consideration, possibly to include a kayak pull-out.

Hemlocks established funding for a new three-year trail event schedule, as follows:

Two school group visits per year will be funded, for a total of $1000 each year, with a per-event maximum of $500

Three adult programs per year will be funded, for a total of $600 each year, with a per-event maximum of $200

The above program is expected to operate for the years of 2016, 2017 and 2018, to be reviewed early in the year of 2019.

Historian Jim Bokern will be invited to present a field trip featuring original public land surveying detail, for the Hemlocks board, Discovery staff, and others

Hemlocks is the type of old growth organization featured on a national website, which can be viewed at www.oldgrowthforest.net

August 30, 2015 - Fifth Annual Meeting

Election of officers: President Tom Olson, Treasurer Glenn Doering, Secretary Al Drum, and At Large Ed Brodsky were unanimously reelected to their positions.

Glenn Doering reported membership of 38 families and a net increase in funds of $2500.

Tom Olson reported that primary activities moving forward will be trail maintenance, sponsoring school field trips, sponsoring general hikes, and ordering updated brochures.

Steve Petersen reported that the SNA status of the Hemlocks protects it from new state rules about increasing forest production areas but that vigilance by an advocate group is also important.

Jim Bokern discussed the need to create an education piece for the survey markers and witness trees that have been located on the property.

May 14, 2015 - Regular Board of Directors Meeting

School trips for North Lakeland Elementary School and Mercer schools were scheduled for the spring of 2015

Trail signage practices from other states can improve Hemlocks signage

Regular documented trail inspections by volunteers should be conducted; the volunteers thereby relieve DNR personnel from some of their workload

2014

October 13, 2014 - Regular Board of Directors Meeting

Trail signs will undergo revamping

Sponsoring trips to Hemlocks by school kids is a part of Hemlocks' obligation and agenda. The Board allocated a sum of $1200 annually to support schoolchildren visits to Hemlocks.

Hemlocks' finances are in solid shape. Revenues increased in 2014, with a total of 36 contributors for that year. Expenses remain moderate, increasing net income.

Expansion of Hemlocks land holdings is a worthy goal for the future; however, at present, none of the known several potential opportunities for expansion seem likely.

Hikes to study mushrooms, to remove hemp nettles, and possibly to observe reenactments of the original Public Lands Survey System surveyors are being planned.

Volunteers are encouraged to participate in Hemlocks trail maintenance and in activities sponsored by Discovery Center.

Historian Jim Bokern would appreciate information on local area artifacts known by area residents; artifacts still in place should be left remaining where they lie, but Jim would appreciate knowing their whereabouts.

August 24, 2014 - Fourth Annual Meeting

The membership approved the slate of candidates to continue serving on the Hemlocks Board of Directors, as follows: Phil Sobocinski, Vice President; Larry Gorrilla, Board member; Bob Horswill, Board member

Enjoyed a presentation by Historian Jim Bokern as he discussed cultural development in regions like Hemlocks, including logging, early public surveyors, Native American maple syrup collection

Heard Bob Horswill's concerns regarding Hemp nettle and the possibility of a working hike to remove nettles

May 15, 2014 - Regular Board of Directors Meeting

From the end of the fiscal year October 31, 2013, until May, 2014, Hemlocks has received revenues of $500.00, has had expenses of $369.77, and has total Liabilities & Equity of $8094.72.

Initiated preparation of a trail maintenance and pruning schedule, to be carried out later this year

Decided not to pursue access to Hemlocks from Crab Lake Road

Decided to pursue dust control on East Van Vliet Road

Decided to leave existing signs in place that show BCPL as sponsor; small explanatory signs likely will be added to larger signs explaining new ownership by DNR

Decided to remove metal trail markers and instead use paint on trees to mark trails

Non-native plant species in Hemlocks will be surveyed and delineated with the help of professionals

Initiated the installation of Picture-Posts, which are camera stations containing a camera platform and eight points of the compass for photos to simulate time lapse photography of features evolving in nature. Photos will be posted on the internet. Any photographer may participate.

Committed funds to support programs for children this year in Hemlocks

2013

October 1, 2013 - Regular Board of Directors Meeting

End of fiscal year (September 30, 2013) checking account balance is $8081.29. Contributions for 2013 (revenues) were $2600.

Hemlocks is considering installing boardwalks for bogs

Historian Jim Bokern will host a walk and talk at Hemlocks on October 5, 2013

Programs for area schools will be developed

Hemlocks' status as a State Natural Area, and the possible application of passive management within Hemlocks, will be subject to a vote by the Natural Resources Board on October 23, 2013

Superintendent Steve Petersen, Northern Highlands/American Legion State Forest, suggests that Hemlocks focus on these three activities:

Maintain trails, invasives

Provide education/field trips

Other SNA involvements

The Hemlocks Board will debate at future meetings the wisdom of extending our focus to other geographic areas, and forests and groups

Board members brainstormed and suggested the following topics for future discussion:

Perhaps Hemlocks should be our primary and singular focus

Do we know how many visitors we have? Do we need a visitors' log?

Trail markers need improvement

Expert input from professionals like Steve Petersen and Randy Hoffman will be sought as we formulate the future directions for Hemlocks

August 25, 2013 - Third Annual Meeting

Meeting was preceded by a pontoon and kayak outing for attendees to view the unspoiled shoreline of the Van Vliet Hemlocks.

Our next scheduled event will be a talk by historian and teacher Jim Bokern discussing prehistoric and historic cultural resources in the Presque Isle area and the possibility of creating a cultural education component for the Hemlocks property.

The DNR received many comments during the public input phase of the Master Plan Amendment including strong support for SNA status and passive management of the Van Vliet Hemlocks. The Natural Resources Board is expected to vote on the final version of the amendment in October.

Accomplishments of the past year include funding a field trip for North Lakeland students, installing a new sign on the Hemlock Lake Loop, and actively advocating for the property and raising public awareness about the DNR proposal.

July 26, 2013

Those present voted unanimously to recommend to the entire Board that membership in both the Presque Isle Chamber and the Manitowish Waters Chamber be continued for this year.

Tom reported that Jim Bokern will be ready to make a presentation sometime in the latter part of September. We agreed to recommend that the presentation be done at the Presque Isle Community Center.

We agreed to recommend a planning session sometime in September to determine what our focus will be for the coming year.

Annual Meeting will be conducted as part of the picnic following the field trip on August 25 Olson’s Point. There will be elections, a brief report on the Master Plan efforts, other activities this year, and a report from DNR.

There was a general discussion of NHAL Master Plan Amendment activities to date. The public meeting at Presque Isle seemed to go well with good discussions with DNR staff and Board member. We are getting good support from local groups and individuals.

July 17, 2013

The agenda of this special board meeting was limited to a discussion of our efforts to assure the continuation of the management of Van Vliet Hemlocks as a state natural area and our goal of attaining formal “State Natural Area” designation by DNR in the context of the Amendment to the Master Plan for the NHAL.

Steve Petersen informed the group that an Open House was being held at the Presque Isle Town Hall on Wednesday, July 24 from 3-7pm at which time comments on the NHAL Master Plan Draft Amendment could be shared. He indicated that the WDNR wants public comment to guide the final stages of the plan.

After review and discussion related to the NHAL’s Master Plan as it relates to the Van Vliet Hemlocks, a motion by Larry Gorilla was made that we support the Draft Plan’s continued recognition and ensuing action for establishment of the Van Vliet Hemlocks as a State Natural Area, and that we counter the pieces in the plan that include potential prescriptions for active management, instead encouraging all-site passive management. Motion seconded by Glenn Doering. All approved.

Comments can be submitted online, snail mail, and at the open house on 7/24. Individual friends members are encouraged to respond as individuals. The Friends organization will draft a letter and present it at the open house as well as submit via direct mail.

Friends members and other individuals and groups in the area will be contacted via email and encouraged to respond.

May 8, 2013

Phil Sobicinski was installed as Vice President.

Planned a combined Annual Members Meeting and Kayak/Pontoon Boat tour of Van Vliet Lake scheduled for August 25, 2013, including possibly an accompanying Discovery Center naturalist.

Planned a trail event in Hemlocks to be held in October or November and featuring Naturalist Jim Bokern.

Acknowledged that the “Hemlocks to Hides” trail entrance sign will be delivered later on May 8.

Acknowledged that the ownership gap between West Van Vliet Road and the Hemlocks property line has been eliminated.

Scheduled chainsaw training for volunteers for May 29, 2013

Made plans to encourage board members, regular members, supporters and any other interested citizens to support the State Natural Area (SNA) status of the Hemlocks. This support can be exercised by writing thoughts on a DNR comment sheet and sending to Bob Dall of WDNR. In addition, public meeting periods will be scheduled for citizen face to face discussions with DNR personnel. This process will continue until October or November of 2013.

Scheduled a trip in Hemlocks for North Lakeland Elementary School students for May 24

2012

December 13, 2012

The Board approved a revised Code of Regulations. The revised code (1) Acknowledged the new owner of Hemlocks, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and (2) Increased the membership of the Board from eight members to ten members, and (3) Added the position of vice-president.

Three new Board members were appointed (one new member to replace Paul Specht, and two new members authorized by the revised Code of Regulations.) The three new members are Larry Gorrilla, Glenn Doering and Phil Sobocinski.

Tom Olson will recruit a member to become vice-president.

A new treasurer was appointed, Glenn Doering.

Tom Olson reviewed the proceedings of the Board of Directors Session of October 16, 2012, highlights of which appear earlier in the website.

Northern Highlands-American Legion State Forest Superintendent, Steve Petersen, updated the board on the following subjects:

DNR volunteer agreement

Trail access questions and requirements

Promotion of Hemlocks trail systems

The DNR Master Plan, a proposed new mini-master-plan system, and possible State Natural Area (SNA) status for Hemlocks

Creation of two large educational signs for the east and west trail systems, a “welcome” sign revision, and possible trail map sign replacements

Stronger coordination between Hemlocks and Discovery Center for programs and events conducted at Hemlocks

Possible new ideas for the Hemlocks website

Collaboration with several other northwoods nature-oriented organizations

October 16, 2012

DNR is considering purchasing over 600 acres in the Town of Winchester to be part of Northern Highlands-American Legion State Forest. It may have State Natural Area (SNA) potential.

The board considered expanding its scope to support other SNA's, but decided instead to remain focused on the Hemlocks property for the time being.

The organizing and scheduling of trips in Hemlocks planned by the Friends will be managed by Discovery Center personnel, with Discovery naturalists to participate as much as possible.

The treasury has $8500 cash on hand, and has expended $5321.79 since inception.

Paul Specht resigned as board member and treasurer; Tom will contact potential candidates to replace Paul from a list of names generated by meeting participants.

Friends will pursue the possibility of gaining access to both the west trail system and the east trail system through adjacent private lands, to relieve traffic pressure at the current trailhead accesses.

Friends should review and sign a volunteer agreement document with DNR.

Steve Petersen met with a concerned neighbor adjacent to the east trailhead to hear the neighbor's concerns regarding traffic and visitor activity near the trailhead.

An invasive plant committee, chaired by Bob Horswill, was authorized.

A boot brush will be installed at the west trailhead.

Membership expansion is desirable, but there is no urgency for a push in the near term. Al Drum will develop a membership drive plan for consideration next spring.

An educational committee, chaired by Ronie Jacobsen, was authorized. This committee will work with Discovery to organize trips in Hemlocks. This new committee will seek to collaborate with other entities such as Conserve School and Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association.

Friends will seek membership in local chambers of commerce.

Friends will continue to seek SNA status.

Al Eschenbauch agreed to direct trail maintenance activities.

Second Annual Meeting, August 10, 2012

The UW Stevens Point student-generated brochures are almost ready at the printing department. The brochures now show the correct graphical orientation of both East Van Vliet Road and West Van Vliet Road as they approach trailheads.

The deed for DNR ownership of Hemlocks has been executed, but Steve Petersen does not yet have a copy.

Steve Petersen will meet in August with a concerned landowner adjacent to the east trailhead.

Forester Jay Gallagher will present information on the glacial history of the area on October 13, 2012. The presentation will be on-site, at Hemlocks.

Colleen Matula, a DNR naturalist, will help organize programs and tours.

The treasury has $8802 cash on hand, and has expended $4519 since inception.

A planning session of the board will be scheduled for fall of 2012.

The Friends will push to become a State Natural Area (SNA).

Trail maintenance needs to be organized.

Hemlocks should consider joining chambers of commerce.

Bob Horswill was elected to the Board.

June 29, 2012

Transfer of ownership from the BCPL to the DNR has taken place.

New board member Al Drum accepts position of secretary.

Membership promotion and future plans will be addressed in a strategic planning session in October.

Members had been encouraged to participate in two recent hikes. State naturalist Randy Hoffman led a hike in May and the Bird Club invited Friends member to join them on a hike in June.

Bob Horswill will head an effort to complete an inventory of invasive plants on the site.

A trail maintenance day will be scheduled in late July.

Approved purchase of two boot brushes. One is for the west side and the other goes back to the town to replace the one they let us install on the east side.

Annual meeting will be scheduled in August.

Steve Petersen is getting printing cost estimates on two of the UWSP student projects. The information brochure and the treasure hunt flyer are the first two projects we are working with. We also hope to use the entry sign for the west side in the near future.

April 27, 2012

A review of the nine projects submitted by the Stevens Point students was the main work of this meeting. Overall everyone was pleased with the outcome. Three projects were selected to move forward on immediately with some editing work needed. We hope to use the concepts of some of the other projects in the future.

March 21, 2012

A membership drive will be held for current members only. Membership incentives will include free hikes.

Steve Petersen indicated that the DNR will eventually want to set up a land use agreement with the Friends to clarify our role with the property. A DNR trails coordinator will review the current trail system and make recommendations.

February 16, 2012

Status of the transfer of ownership from the BCPL to the DNR is on track for late spring or early summer.

Ed Brodsky, Sarah Johnson, and Steve Petersen travelled to UW Stevens Point to meet with four students in the Interpretive Media class of Professor Brenda Lackey. These students will be developing media to promote the Van Vliet Hemlocks. Board members will be hosting the students on a site visit.

January 13, 2012

On 12/14/11 the Natural Resources Board approved the purchase of the Van Vliet Hemlocks from the BCPL. On 1/10/12 the Joint Finance Committee approved the purchase and on 1/12/2012 Governor Scott Walker approved the purchase.

Steve Petersen, the superintendent of the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest, introduced himself to the board of the Friends. Steve will be attending board meetings and working with the Friends as a relationship with the DNR is created.

The board approved funds to engage some UW Stevens Point students in a media project promoting the hemlocks property.

2011

December 6, 2011

Natural Resources Board meets on December 14 to consider the purchase of the Van Vliet Hemlocks. Letters in support of the acquisition from individuals in addition to the letter from the board are encouraged. Tom Olson will speak on behalf of the Friends at the meeting.

Website is live. Future updates may include online membership capability, more information on board activities, and an education section.

Jill Wilm volunteered to be the point person for trail maintenance issues.

Approved $100 donation to NLDC in recognition of Zach Wilson leading the fall hike.

First Annual Meeting, August 25, 2011

The President's Report explained who the Friends are, and what goals the organization sought.

John Schwarzmann, Forest Supervisor for Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL), described the role BCPL played in the formation of Friends, and the current status of the land acquisition by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Paul delivered the Strategic Planning Summary, describing the Purpose/Mission and Long Term Vision of Friends. Paul shared results of a survey of members asking where Friends should go in future.

August 22, 2011

Approved annual meeting agenda.

Agreed to begin work on FOVVH web pages to be included in NLDC website.

Set fall hike for October 22 at 9:00AM.

July 19, 2011

Agenda for Annual meeting and meeting particulars discussed.

Discussed plans for a Fall Hike to be lead by Zach Wilson.

The meeting was followed by a Board Strategic Planning Session.

June 23, 2011

Agreed to have additional trail markers installed on trails to better identify trails for hikers.

Approved purchase of a trail entry sign for the West portion of the property.

Set Annual Meeting date for August 25 at 7PM.

May 26, 2011

Agreed on need for “Private Property” and “Trail Ends” signs at key locations.

Discussed and agreed on “Ribbon Cutting” plans.

May 5, 2011

Discussed and approved initial budget for the FOVVH.

Approved payment of trail head graphic design invoice.

Approved purchase of membership incentive mugs.

Made assignments for reaching out to area lake associations for additional memberships.

Set timing of trail head and trail marker post and sign installation.

April 15, 2011

Approved spending up to $500 for graphic services for large trail head signs.

Approved spending up to $600 for trail signs and markers.

Named Tom Olson named official contact person between FOVVH and BCPL.

Approved considering the incorporation of FOVVH in the NLDC website.

The Friends of the Van Vliet Hemlocks was established in March, 2011 to continue the work an informal organization of people had started on August 13, 2010. A meeting at Tom Olson’s home included staff from both the BCPL and DNR, local naturalists, a representative from the Discovery Center, and community members. It was agreed that both the BCPL and the DNR were in favor of transferring ownership of the Van Vliet Hemlocks to the DNR for protection under the State Natural Area program. There was support from the BCPL for a community group to work on trail improvement, trail marking and signage, and public promotion of the area. Over the next six months, the trails were mapped, grants were obtained, information signs were developed, and a ribbon cutting ceremony was planned. It was decided that a Friends group would continue the mission of protecting and preserving this property.